Location
Bilbao to Pola de Lena
Duration
6 Days | 5 Nights
Length
60 - 100km daily
Climb
500 - 1,500m daily
5 Sep 2019 - 10 Sep 2019
Asturias… Cantabria... Basque Country… experience the best of España Verde “Green Spain”, joining the pros as they ride from Navarre down to the Atlantic Ocean and along Spain’s northern coastline beside the amazing Picos Europa. Join us for stages 13-16 of the Spanish Grand Tour, enjoying medieval mountain villages, cheering crowds and the amazing cities of Bilbao, Santander and Oviedo along the way.
This tour is designed to enjoy the best 60-100 km, as we ride just ahead of the pros, making sure we always enjoy the best of the action. Whilst we’ll get immersed in the heart of the crowds and watch the race from the best possible vantage points, we’ll ride at our own pace along peaceful verdant mountain roads. As well as visiting medieval villages, fishing ports and savouring the lush green landscape with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Following the mountain stages of the tour, we’ll enjoy watching the pros battle out three tough mountain finishes whilst ourselves conquering the most impressive mountain climbs the region has to offer, including the iconic Alto de L'Angliru (1,600m), the glorious Puerto del Connio (1,300m) and Puerto del Pozo de las Mujeres Muertas (1,200m) and the final climb on our tour, Santuario del Acebo (1,100m).
During this tour, we’ll stay in Bilbao, Santander and Oviedo. Each evening, we'll enjoy local cuisine and stay in a lovely hotel - for this tour, the quality of hotels, food and wine are as important as the cycling.
If you have the time you can extend your adventure and join us on the exhilarating "Experience" - Final Week & Madrid, taking in the central mountain systems of Sierra de Gredos and the incredible finale in the heart of Spain’s capital, or the remarkable "Experience" - Costa Blanca & The Valencian Coast, riding north along the Mediterranean sea and Valencia's "Orange Blossom Coast".
Please note - Grand Tours Project is not an "Official Tour Operator" of La Vuelta. You can find these Official Tour Operators on the Vuelta website.
Total price: From €2,975
Bienvenido a Bilbao
Today we arrive in Bilbao, the capital of Basque country and home to the world famous Guggenheim museum. After meeting you at the airport we'll have a short 15 minute transfer to your hotel in heart of the city. Once you've settled in and we've helped set up your bikes there's a chance for an easy ride to warm up your legs. We'll take a short tour through the iconic city, surrounded by green mountains that overlook the Atlantic ocean. In the evening you are free to explore the city and get some rest for the exciting days ahead.
Bilbao - Puerto de Asón
79km / 1040 m
Following breakfast we'll ride out west of the city towards Ramales de la Victoria, where we'll tick off a couple of the locals' favourites climbs in the beautiful green hills surrounding Bilbao. We then hit the start of the epic and challenging Stage 13 just before climbing the highlight of today's ride, Puerto de Asón, a gem of Cantabria and arguably the most beautiful climb of the region. Hitting the top of the climb it'll then be time for us to relax, whilst the pro riders will battle on towards the most gruelling climb of the day Alto de las Machuchos - the last climb of this incredibly challenging stage. From Puerto de Asón we'll drive you on to the city of Santander where we'll enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the heart of this beautiful coastal city.
Santander - Llanes
92km / 1075m
A truly beautiful ride, today you'll be able to soak up the landscape and race to set the pace with your teammates. Our ride takes us west along the flat and open coast roads of northern Spain. Surrounded by incredible scenery, for 92 km we'll have the amazing Picos Europa on one side and the Atlantic ocean beside us on the other. We pick up the official Stage 14 route in San Vincente de la Barquera as we ride toward our finish line in the beautiful town of Llanes; known for its rugged coastline of limestone cliffs and beaches. From Llanes we then transfer to the city of Oviedo where you will be able to relax and explore in the city's enchanting medieval old town.
Oviedo - Santuario del Acebo
89km / 1400m
A welcome reprieve from packing up all your gear this morning as we'll spend another 2 nights in our hotel in Oviedo. It's going to be a hilly day as we head west of Oviedo towards the spectacular hills. But it's nothing that should keep you out of the saddle for too long. Our stopping point for today will be the Santuario del Acebo. We'll immerse ourselves in the atmosphere to enjoy the adrenaline fuelled crowds and explosive battles as the pros come racing through to finish the penultimate stage in this region.
Oviedo, L'Angliru & Pola de Lena
73km / 1930m
Lush green mountains and verdant gorges are the order of the day as we enjoy a short but hilly course. After breakfast we ride south to Fresneo to tackle Alto de L'Angliru, considered one of the most demanding climbs in professional road bicycle racing and an epic Vuelta classic. An out and back summit, we'll get to enjoy the full extent of the climb and descent before riding on to Pola de Lena for a well earned lunch break. And of course to refuel on coffee and adrenaline as we watch the pro riders race past towards the finish line. Expect to see some serious battles as they fight to close the gap and secure their leads for a podium finish.
Adiós
It's been an incredible few days. We've explored the cities, towns, coastlines and mountains of northern Spain and experienced the spirit of a Grand Tour. And we can relish the well earned sleep-in today. After breakfast and good coffee, if your adventure finishes here we'll help you with packing your bike, transport you to the airport and say thank you and farewell. You'll be taking home memories, achievements, new friendships and stories that you will never forget. If you continue on to the 12 days tour then we'll travel together to Guadalajara city for the next and final round of Grand Tour "Experience" 2019.